How can I get more confidence?

Life may seem bleak at the moment and it’s clear things feel unbearable for you right now, but it’s important to realise you do have options and you don’t need to go through this on your own.

By talking about how you feel, and identifying the issues that are making you feel so bad, such as the loss of confidence and self-esteem, or the paranoia you describe, you may find yourself moving on from feeling suicidal. Or, you could consider seeking some form of support, to help you look at your situation and the things that are making you question your life. It can often help to look at the underlying issues that cause these difficult feelings.

When people feel as low as you describe, it can be hard to see things in life as anything but negative. Especially when you say your personality has changed so dramatically over the last couple of years, from being outgoing and popular to feeling shy and withdrawn.

You say your mum has said you are weird, and feeling misunderstood can be very frustrating. But, unfortunately, not everyone knows how to help someone who is feeling so low, or people may not even realise because they are so distracted by their own lives. But this doesn’t necessarily mean they don’t care. Talking to someone you know may help them understand you better, enabling them to support you more effectively.

If speaking to friends or relatives doesn’t seem like an option for you at the moment you can speak to someone about how you feel, without judgement and in confidence by calling SANEline on 0300 304 7000. Or you might like to consider calling Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90, if you’re not ready to speak to anyone yet you can email them on [email protected].

It might be worth considering speaking to your local doctor (GP). Suicide, for some, may seem like the only option. But given time and the right support to explore your situation and feelings, a treatable issue may well be uncovered. For example, feelings of despair, sadness, low self esteem or panic could be indicators of an underlying condition such as anxiety or depression. Such symptoms could be relieved through medication or a form of talking therapy, helping you to focus on what is making you feel so low and ease some of the pressure. Your GP will be able to advise you of the options available and help you seek the right form of treatment or support.